e young man had made the most solemn promise
never to commit the like offence; and she thought it her duty to enjoin
Sandford, till he did repeat it, not to mention the circumstance, even
to Rushbrook himself.

Matilda could not but feel a regard for her father's heir, in return for
that which he had so fervently declared for her; yet the more favourable
her opinion of his mind and manners, the more he became an object of her
jealousy for the affections of Lord Elmwood, and he was now
consequently, an object of greater sorrow to her, than when she believed
him less worthy. These sentiments were reversed on his part towards
her--no jealousy intervened to bar his admiration and esteem--the beauty
of her person, and grandeur of her mien, not only confirmed, but
improved, the exalted idea he had formed of her previous to their
meeting, and which his affection to both her parents had inspired. The
next time he saw his benefactor, he began to feel a new esteem and
regard for him, for his daughter's sake; as he had at first an esteem
for her, on the foundation of his love for Lord and Lady Elmwood. He
gazed with wonder at his uncle's insensibility to his own happiness, and
would gladly have led him to the jewel he cast away, though even his own
expulsion should be the fatal consequence. Such was the youthful, warm,
generous, grateful, but unreflecting mind of Rushbrook.

CHAPTER X.

After this incident, Miss Woodley left her apartments less frequently
than before--she was afraid, though till now mistrust had been a stranger
to her heart, she was afraid that duplicity might be concealed under the
apparent friendship of Rushbrook; it did not indeed appear so from any
part of his behaviour, but she was apprehensive for the fate of Matilda;
she disliked him too, and therefore she suspected him. Near three weeks
she had not now paid a visit to Lord Elmwood, and though to herself
every visit was a pain, yet as Matilda took a delight in hearing of her
father, what he said, what he did, what his attention seemed most
employed on, and a thousand other circumstantial informations, in which
Sandford would scorn to be half so particular, it was a deprivation to
her, that Miss Woodley did not go oftener. Now too, the middle of
November was come, and it was expected her father would soon quit the
country.

Partly therefore to indulge her hapless companion, and partly because it
was a duty, Miss Woodley once again paid Lord Elmwo